If sex is no more ‘fun’, it can be an early sign of prolapsed uterus

Sex is not just about pleasure, but it can heal you too. It can keep the stress at bay and even uplift your mood. But if you haven’t been enjoying it much, that’s a major concern. Yes, multiple reasons for it can be low libido, fatigue, etc. but there is another reason that you might be missing out on – and that is a prolapsed uterus.

This term might be all-new for you and that’s why we want you to know everything about it. It has major implications on your body. So, let’s peel this problem layer by layer and understand its severity.

First and foremost, what is a prolapsed uterus?

According to Dr Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, a prolapsed uterus is seen when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken, becoming unable to provide that much-needed support to the uterus. Hence, the uterus slips down or protrudes from the vagina.

“Did you know that this problem can be seen in women of all age groups. But, it is commonly found in postmenopausal women who have had one or more vaginal deliveries. If the uterine prolapse is mild, it won’t need any treatment. But if it makes you uncomfortable, you have to speak to the doctor on an immediate basis,” warns Dr Gaikwad.

Some symptoms and causes of the prolapsed uterus that you need to know

Here are the symptoms

• Discomfort while walking
• Painful intercourse
• Uterine tissue that bulges out of your vagina
• Lower back pain
• Pressure in the pelvis
• Urinary problems such as urine leakage (incontinence) or urine retention
  Irregular bowel movements.

Don’t ignore these causes

• Pregnancy
• Opting for pelvic surgery
• Difficult labour, delivery of a large baby, being overweight or obese, lower estrogen level after menopause, constipation, having a family history, smoking, cough or bronchitis, due to heavy lifting, vaginal delivery, weakness in the pelvic muscles with advancing age.

Here’s how prolapsed uterus is a devil to your sex life

Unfortunately, prolapsed uterus has an impact on your happy-go-lucky sex life. We’ll tell you how! Medical conditions such as prolapsed uterus can get in the way of your satisfying sex life. It can worsen the matter. If you have been diagnosed with incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, sex can cause fear, stress, anxiety, depression, nervousness, and even frustration. Fear of leakage, odour or even pain, can kill the intimacy and make you feel undesirable when it comes to having intercourse. Your relationship with your partner will be strained, and you may end up being embarrassed and lonely.

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You will avoid having intercourse as you may feel that you will be judged. A prolapsed uterus can even lead to poor self-esteem.

How can you improve your sex life with a prolapsed uterus?

• Trying different sex positions will be helpful. Lie on your side with your partner behind you so that the penis will not penetrate deeply.
• Keep your pelvic muscles relaxed during intercourse.
• If the prolapsed is because of urinary incontinence, then you may leak during sex. Try to have sex in the bath or shower to avoid any embarrassment.
• Prolapse is linked to thinning of the vaginal walls so good lubrication helps one to enhance comfort as well as arousal.

  “If you have uterine prolapse, intercourse will push the cervix to sit higher within the vagina. Many women can continue their normal sex life even after having a mild or moderate vaginal prolapsed,” says Dr Gaikwad.

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  Here’s when you need to see a doctor

  Pelvic pain and the above-mentioned signs are your alarms. Just don’t waste any time and see a doctor.

  If we talk about the treatment, it’s possible! You have both options – medication or surgery to remove the uterus (surgery is done in very severe cases).

  “You will also have to follow certain lifestyle changes like doing kegel exercises, maintaining an optimum weight, eating foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation, quitting smoking, and avoiding lifting heavy weights,” recommends Dr Gaikwad.

  The point is, you can get many health problems knowingly or unknowingly, but your duty is to be a little observant. This will not let your health go for a ride and you can nip it in the bud right away!